The arena buzzed with tension as Kahn and Belmod prepared to face off. Whispers filled the air as the Gods of Destruction, perched on their floating platforms, cast their judgments.
"Quitela," one of them chuckled, "looks like the arrogant kid isn't your problem after all."
Quitela sneered, his sharp yellow eyes flickering toward Kahn. "Not yet. Let break him first."
Belmod's mouth curled into a sinister grin, his disdain for Kahn apparent. He strode into the arena with deliberate steps, his crimson gaze locked onto his opponent.
"How dare a mere candidate for the Gods of Destruction act more arrogant than Beerus himself?" Belmod spat, his voice dripping with venom. "This is laughable. Among the Gods of Destruction, only the strong have the right to be arrogant. Weaklings like you are nothing more than dung beetles wandering into a lion's den—asking for death."
The other Gods of Destruction murmured among themselves, their voices a mix of curiosity and scorn.
"Let's see if this so-called prodigy has the strength to back up that attitude."
"He's just a candidate, not an official God of Destruction. Belmod will crush him."
"If he loses in the first round, Beerus is going to regret bringing him here."
Even Champa couldn't resist a jab. "The fool set himself against all of us the moment he opened his mouth. He's going to learn the hard way why candidates should stay in their lane."
Kahn, standing tall in the center of the arena, heard their words but didn't react. He knew he had to prove himself, not just for his sake, but for Universe 7's. If he failed here, he'd be nothing more than a footnote—a humiliation for Beerus and his universe.
Dragon God Zalama's voice echoed through the venue, cutting through the whispers. "Let the first match begin: Kahn of Universe 7 versus Belmod of Universe 11."
As the words settled, Belmod sneered, his aura flaring to life. "Come down here, you arrogant brat."
Kahn's eyes narrowed, his destructive energy surging to the surface. Purple flames licked at his body, and streaks of lightning crackled through the air. Whis observed from the sidelines, his expression calm but his words pointed.
"Kahn, remember—Belmod's not just strong. He's cunning. Stay focused."
Kahn nodded. "I won't let my guard down."
The arena fell silent. Then, with a thunderous boom, the match began.
---
Belmod moved first, disappearing in a blur of speed. Kahn barely had time to react as Belmod reappeared directly in front of him, his fist driving forward like a meteor. Kahn raised his arm to block, but the impact sent him skidding backward, his feet carving trenches into the arena floor.
"Too slow!" Belmod roared, following up with a flurry of strikes. His punches and kicks blurred together, each one a calculated attempt to overwhelm Kahn's defenses.
Kahn deflected and dodged, his movements sharp but tested to their limit. Sparks flew with every collision, and the air around them rippled with raw energy. The arena began to crack under the sheer force of their battle.
"Is this all you've got?" Belmod taunted, his red aura flaring brighter. "You're nothing but a fraud!"
Kahn gritted his teeth, frustration mounting. He shifted his stance, waiting for an opening. As Belmod launched another punch, Kahn sidestepped at the last second, grabbing Belmod's arm and twisting it. Using Belmod's momentum, Kahn hurled him across the arena.
Belmod flipped mid-air, landing gracefully on his feet. His grin widened, his aura surging. "Not bad, kid. But if that's your best, this will be over soon."
Kahn didn't reply. Instead, he thrust his hands forward, unleashing a torrent of energy blasts. Each streaked toward Belmod like a comet, lighting up the arena with blue flames.
Belmod raised a hand, summoning a massive energy barrier. The blasts collided with it, exploding in fiery bursts that shook the entire floor. When the smoke cleared, Belmod was unharmed.
Before Kahn could react, Belmod counterattacked. He appeared behind Kahn, his knee slamming into Kahn's back with devastating force. Kahn crashed into the ground, the impact creating a massive crater.
"Stay down, boy," Belmod sneered, his voice echoing through the arena.
But Kahn wasn't done. As Belmod descended, ready to deliver a finishing blow, Kahn's aura exploded outward in a shockwave, forcing Belmod to leap back. Kahn rose from the crater, his purple energy blazing brighter than ever.
"I'm not going anywhere," Kahn growled. "If you want me down, you'll have to try harder."
Belmod smirked. "Then let's see how much you can take."
The two clashed again, their movements blurring as they exchanged blows. Each strike sent shockwaves rippling through the air, and the arena trembled under their power.
---
From the platforms, the Gods of Destruction watched in stunned silence.
"Is this kid really just a candidate?" one muttered.
"He's stronger than he looks," another admitted begrudgingly.
Whis smiled faintly. "That's my student."
---
As the battle raged, Kahn began to adapt. He studied Belmod's patterns, finding openings in his attacks. When Belmod launched a powerful energy wave, Kahn didn't dodge. Instead, he charged straight through it, his fists glowing with destructive energy.
"What—?!" Belmod exclaimed, caught off guard.
Kahn's punch connected, slamming into Belmod's chest with enough force to send him flying. Belmod crashed into the arena floor, creating a second crater.
The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps as Kahn stood tall, his aura flickering but his determination unwavering.
"Still think I'm just an arrogant kid?" Kahn called out, his voice steady.
Belmod climbed to his feet, wiping blood from his lip. His grin returned, fiercer than ever. "Not bad, kid. You've got potential. But I'm not done yet."
Both fighters readied themselves for the next round, their auras flaring brighter than ever. The stage was set for an even fiercer clash.